the green belt movement
A NNU AL R E P O R T 2 0 1 4
1 | the green belt movement Annual Report 2014 table of contents
3 A Message from the Board Chair
4 About the Green Belt Movement
6 Tree Planting and Water Harvesting
7 Corporate Partnerships
8 Climate Change
9 Gender, Livelihood and Advocacy
11 Outreach Updates — Kenya
Updates from Green Belt Movement International — United Kingdom and U.S.A.
12 Financial Statements for 2014
15 Supporters and Partners
16 GBM Board and Staff
17 The Wangari Muta Maathai House — A Legacy Project
“We owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to conserve the environment so that we can bequeath our children a sustainable world that benefits all.”
— PROFESSOR WANGARI MAATHAI Image Credits Founder, The Green Belt Movement All photos © Green Belt Movement and Manoocher — USAID unless noted below.
2 | the green belt movement Annual Report 2014 www.greenbeltmovement.org | 1 a message from the board chair
Dear Friends,
I am delighted to present to you the 2014 Annual Report for the Green Belt Movement. It has been an inspiring year and one of continued resurgence. I owe the success stories you will read about in this report to the unwavering commitment and leadership of a delightful team of staff whose values and hard work continue to shine through. I must also salute the leadership of our Executive Director, Mrs. Aisha Karanja, who continues to increase the visibility of the Green Belt Movement.
Tree planting for community mobilization and empowerment continues to be our focus. This year, we planted a total of 438,129 trees with communities around Kenya. We are also opening new groups as we introduce to the women we work with, the adoption of clean and renewable fuels and technologies.
It is not lost to us that the communities we work with are on the frontlines in the struggle for energy security. In Kenya, over 15,000, mostly women and children, die from complications related to indoor air pollution. These are unacceptably terrible effects on personal health, climate and the overall quality of life of the communities involved. The Green Belt Movement is proud to be joining in the effort to change this. Cooking and heating should not kill! In partnership with the wPOWER Hub at the Wangari Maathai Institute (WMI), the Green Belt Movement has trained four clean energy and entrepreneurship leaders who are leading the way in driving this agenda at the Green Belt Movement.
We are very proud of the partnerships we continue to forge as we strive for the highest impact in landscape restoration. In rehabilitating Sondu Miriu River Catchment, we have partnered with the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the Kenya Forest Service to reforest 155.6 hectares of Chepalungu forest in the Rift Valley. The success of this project has been a source of great pride to all involved, making it the “best among all the projects the Ministry is implementing in the country.”
Finally, during the Climate Change COP20 events in Lima, Peru, we were honored when the Municipality of San Borja (the district in Lima hosting COP20) dedicated a beautiful park in memory of Professor Wangari Maathai. It was a beautiful end to a fruitful year.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in our work. You keep us going! We are proud of the achievements of the Green Belt Movement this year and look forward to an even brighter 2015!
WANJIRA MATHAI, CHAIR The Green Belt Movement Board
2 | the green belt movement Annual Report 2014 www.greenbeltmovement.org | 3 about the Green Belt Movement
Founded by Professor Wangari Maathai, the The Green Belt Movement has four main areas of v Mainstream Advocacy activity— Tree Planting and Water Harvesting; Gender, We continue advocating for greater political accountability Green Belt Movement (GBM) is a grassroots Livelihood and Advocacy; Mainstream Advocacy; and and the expansion of democratic space in Kenya. GBM non-governmental organization working in Climate Change and Corporate Partnerships. Each area has called for, time and time again, an end to land of work builds on and informs the others. grabbing, deforestation and corruption as well as for environmental conservation and community the protection of public spaces in the country. v Tree Planting and Water Harvesting development in Kenya for over 30 years. What Using GBM’s Watershed Based Approach, communities v Gender, Livelihood and Advocacy began as a grassroots tree planting program help to conserve biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and GBM builds on over 35 years of experience working reduce the impact of climate change. GBM relies on with the community at the grassroots level. Through to address the challenges of deforestation, soil its network of over 4000 community groups to deliver the Community Empowerment and Education program erosion and lack of water is now a vehicle for its watershed based approach. Our core values of (CEE), community members are educated about the volunteering in-service to your community help to inspire linkages between human activity and the environment, empowering women and communities. protection of public spaces for present and future which empowers them to unite, take action, and stand Its mission is to strive for better environmental generations. up for their rights. VISION management, community empowerment, and v Climate Change and Corporate Partnerships GBM promotes and enhances gender relations and The vision of GBM is to create a value driven society CLIMATE CHANGE: Current climate change policies involves women in decision-making processes. The livelihood improvement using tree-planting as of people who consciously work for the improvement and actions in Kenya, and world-over, do not provide CEE centers on women and community empowerment an entry point. The results of these efforts are of their livelihoods and a greener, cleaner Kenya. effective support for community engagement in decision to take over leadership in their own situations. making, nor sustainable livelihoods and environmental a reduction in soil erosion in critical watersheds, GBM’s experience shows that when the communities conservation. It is because of this that GBM has a MISSION understand the linkage between their actions, the restoration and protection of thousands of Climate Change Program that aims at strengthening the GBM’s mission is to strive for better environmental environment and their livelihood situations (poverty, understanding and capacity of rural communities to take acres of biodiversity-rich indigenous forest, management, community empowerment, and livelihood water scarcity and soil loss and food insecurity) they action against climate change as well as raise awareness improvement using tree-planting as an entry point. are more likely to muster their energies and to take nationally on the role of local communities and forests and hundreds of thousands of women and their action for change. in tackling climate change. families standing up for their rights and those CORE VALUES Through our CEE approach, we take community CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS: The main goal of this members through a process of understanding their of their communities, and living healthier, more GBM promotes the following values: program is to mobilize corporate organizations’ environment, natural resources and identifying their • Love for environment conservation consciousness for the rehabilitation of urban ecosystems productive lives problems and together, exploring sustainable solutions • Self and community empowerment through tree planting as a ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ to these problems that affect their livelihoods. • Volunteerism (CSR). • Accountability, transparency and honesty
4 | the green belt movement Annual Report 2014 www.greenbeltmovement.org | 5 KE Y 2014 HIGHLIGHTS KE Y 2014 HIGHLIGHTS tree planting and water harvesting corporate partnerships
Our Bamboo Biomass and Entrepreneurship Forest restoration, REDD and PES promotion The main goal of this program is to mobilize Project featured on the Climate Reality in Upper Tana Watershed, Kenya corporate organizations’ consciousness for the Project Green Belt Movement partnered with Global The Green Belt Movement (GBM) and the wPOWER Environmental Facility / Small Grant Programme rehabilitation of urban ecosystems through tree Hub at the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and (GEF/ SGP) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to restore planting as a ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ Environmental Studies at the University of Nairobi Upper Sagana and Gura Watersheds in Nyeri County. presented two stories during the Climate Reality GBM is building change agents who are championing (CSR). The highlight was the establishment of a Project’s fourth-annual 24 Hours of Reality broadcast, water and soil conservation on farm and riparian reserves tree nursery at Starehe Girls High School with a “24 Hours of Reality: 24 Reasons for Hope.” in Upper Tana Watershed, Nyeri County. GBM is using its watershed based approach to involve local communities capacity to produce 20,000 seedlings annually. Ms. Wanjira Mathai, GBM’s Chairperson and Project in planning and implementing conservation initiatives on A tree planting activity with Moi Girls High School. Director of the wPOWER hub, joined the discussion their farms and on the riparian reserves. on how to accelerate the shift to a sustainable future Nairobi Urban Greening Project in partnership powered by affordable, renewable sources of energy, These initiatives will address unsustainable agricultural with Trees for Cities with sustainable agriculture and forestry, to see the practices affecting natural resources management in The objective of this project is planting trees in school featured field report go http://www.youtube.com/ the area. The ultimate goal is to ensure food security, compounds with each school planting an average of watch?v=vo2bBzw2m84. environmental conservation, and water harvesting and 2000 seedlings. soil and water conservation on farm. GBM is delighted to be part of the first Water Fund in Africa, working with In 2014, we worked with 11 schools around Nairobi and Effective Natural Resource Management in women’s groups and coffee farmers on the ground to Kiambu Counties in partnership with the Kenya Defence Chania Watershed of Aberdare Ecosystem reverse deforestation, improve land management and Forces and Kenya Forest Services. protect the Upper Tana watershed. This project was implemented in Kiambu and Nyandarua Under the Nairobi Urban Greening Project, the program Counties in Chania Watershed. GBM in Partnership with GEF / SGP planted 80,126 trees engaged different institutions namely: Nairobi School, in Kabaru and Zuti forest under this partnership in a bid Moi Girls High School, Lenana School, Loreto Convent Using a participatory approach, we identified alternative to restore degraded forests and riparian reserves. High School, Kenya High School, Statehouse Girls High livelihood options for the community in order to reduce Sir John Peace, Chairman, Standard Chartered PLC during the tree School, Moi Forces Academy, Defence Training College, dependence on the forest and tree cover along riparian GBM also partnered with Jambo Tours and planted planting activity at Starehe Girls High School. Utalii College and Upper Hill High Schools. reserves in the watershed. We supported community 26,000 trees in Hombe forest in Mt. Kenya. Communities based tree planting campaigns in degraded water were also empowered through capacity building on food catchment areas inside gazetted forest, public and security and water harvesting at the household level. Update on the Afforestation of Sondu Miriu private lands. River Catchment Green Belt Movement (GBM) under a three-year contract Three workshops were conducted in the region in by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to rehabilitate the a bid to strengthen local communities’ capacity to Sondu Miriu River Catchment, in the Mau Conservancy protect the watershed and restore the function is now in its second year. of natural ecosystems. Participants were trained on: water retention, biodiversity protection and rural The project site is located at Kapchumbe in the income generation. Chepalungu forest in Bomet County and has an area of 155.6 hectares.
The Chepalungu site has been afforested with a total number of 248,960 indigenous trees of various species. The three year project, carried out under the Kenya Energy and Environment Social Responsibility Program GBM has trained community members from Upper Tana who will Officials from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum team inspect one of monitor water quality in 83 sites in Upper Tana Watersheds. (KEEP) fund of the Ministry of Energy, is ongoing. Kenya the seedlings in the project area. Forest Service (KFS) is supervising the project as well as The Ministry applauded GBM’s project management and community conducting monitoring and evaluation with the Ministry of mobilization, stating that this is the best among all the projects the Energy and Petroleum. Ministry is implementing in the country.
6 | the green belt movement Annual Report 2014 www.greenbeltmovement.org | 7 KE Y 2014 ACHIE VEMENTS KE Y 2014 HIGHLIGHTS climate change gender, livelihood and advocacy
Climate change poses one of the greatest Integrated rehabilitation of Ewaso Ngiro A Sustainable Peace Project through (Kirisia) Ecosystem Promotion of Good Governance, challenges facing the world in the 21st Samburu County is predominantly semi-arid. Increased Democracy, Environmental Management century and therefore the aim of this program human dependence on forest resources alongside erratic and Peaceful Transition rainfall patterns have resulted in prolonged drought and The Green Belt Movement in partnership with Green is to improve awareness levels on climate severe weather events in recent years. In partnership with Cross Sweden through financial support from Folke change. This is achieved by increasing the the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Yves Rocher Bernadotte Academy has played a critical role in the Foundation and the Schooner Foundation, this project in process of dialogue, negotiation, reconciliation and capacity of vulnerable rural communities to Samburu County entered its third year of implementation. cultivating a culture of peace in Nakuru County. This share their experience and to take appropriate In 2014 the Green Belt Movement began a permaculture project is based on Professor Wangari Maathai’s Three initiative. Working with communities to design and Legged Stool Concept, which has been adopted as strategies in tackling climate change. Unveiling of a plaque in honour of Wangari Maathai in integrate ecological knowledge into their daily activities a training tool to help citizens and students within Lima, Peru. could help the pastoralists of Samburu cope better communities to understand the interdependence with the impacts of climate change. The permaculture between good governance, democracy and peace for Catalyzing Forest and Landscape approach included: sustainable agriculture, simple sustainable development. This was the very principle Rehabilitation for Climate Resilience UNFCCC COP 20 water harvesting technologies, value addition and post that the Professor created as a basis for conducting all and Biodiversity Conservation in East Africa The 20th session of the Conference of Parties harvesting care. This was one of the most successful community education and empowerment. As part of the Bonn Challenge (to restore 150 million to the UNFCCC took place in Lima, Peru from project activities since the community mindset has Through its holistic approach to development, the project hectares of lost and degraded forests by 2020), World December 1 to 12, 2014. changed and they are currently practicing permaculture. addresses the underlying social, political, and economic Resources Institute (WRI) mapped global landscape A team from Green Belt Movement was part of the In 2014, 79,497 trees were planted to rehabilitate 250 causes of poverty and environmental degradation at the restoration opportunities. The results showed that there COP 20 Sustainable Innovation Forum that brought hectares, bringing the total number of trees planted by grassroots level. The empowerment seminars have aimed are more than 100 million hectares of land that can be together world leaders, senior executives, investors the end of 2014 to 257,896 in the forest, on farm and to help community members make the critical linkages restored in East Africa. and industry experts to share ideas and accelerate public lands. between the environment, governance, and their quality of The overall goal of this project is to initiate landscape innovative solutions to address climate change, life, as peace, security and sustainability are one in the The project targeted to create 50 community groups, restoration of one million hectares in Ethiopia and Kenya accelerate green growth and sustainable development. same and co-dependent. this target was surpassed and 68 community groups as a new contribution to the Bonn Challenge. As part of the UNFCC COP 20 events, the Municipality were formed with a membership of 476 (Men-189, The aim of the empowerment is to inspire participants In 2014, we planted 50,000 indigenous tree seedlings in of San Borja, the district hosting the event, organized a women-287). to develop a deep desire to better their own lives and the selected planting site of Gatondo, Geta forest. We ceremonial tree planting at the city of Lima to honor the communities. As they gain economic security, they are Water shortage in Samburu County is a drawback to also conducted six training workshops, which focused on Memory of Professor Wangari Maathai for her actions in willing to protect shared resources such as forests, development in the area; with this in mind, we supplied climate change causes, effects and mitigation as well as promoting sustainable development, democracy, peace public parks, and rivers. This is the fundamental basis of six water tanks, each with a 5000 liter capacity to five sustainable organic farming practices. and environmental conservation. Professor Maathai’s methodology where addressing a schools and one tree nursery group. serious problem starts with a simple solution: engaging This project is a partnership between the Green Belt citizens and entire communities to plant trees, as a Movement, the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) and the symbol of their commitment. World Resources Institute (WRI) and is funded by the German Ministry of Environment. “My wish and hope is At least130 community group farmers were selected from to see this forest as thick the three locations and were facilitated to initiate on-farm activities to enable them cope with effects of climate as it was 20 years ago”. change. The on-farm activities include: water harvesting, — MARY NYAMBURA, GATONDO kitchen gardens and fodder growing.
8 | the green belt movement Annual Report 2014 www.greenbeltmovement.org | 9 gender, livelihood and advocacy, cont outreach updates— KENYA updates from Green Belt Movement International — UNITED KINGDOM AND U.S.A.
Smart Water for Green Schools Project The Second Wangari Maathai Scholarship UNITED KINGDOM This project focused on providing access to safe Fund Award Second Annual Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture
drinking water and sanitation. By equipping schools Launched in October 2012 in Nairobi, the Wangari Friends and supporters from across the globe joined the and communities with rainwater harvesting systems Maathai Scholarship Fund is an environmental Green Belt Movement International– Europe at the Royal plus providing ecological sanitation facilities, this project innovations fund that seeks to encourage and Botanic Gardens, Kew to commemorate the life and provided concrete and sustainable solutions to improve promote sustainable development through the spirit work of Professor Maathai at the Second Annual Wangari the lives of people with no access to water. of environmentalism as championed by the late Prof. Maathai Memorial Lecture. Sir Jonathon Porritt, former Maathai. The fund in its second cycle of granting for the Through our partnership with Green Cross Sweden, Director of Friends of the Earth UK and the Founding 2013-2014 academic year saw the second recipient, we implemented a rainwater harvesting system and Director of Forum for the Future, was the main speaker. Sylvia Jemutai Rotich, awarded the scholarship. Sylvia, constructed latrines in Kamara primary school. The His talk was entitled, “Our Brilliant Low-Carbon Future.” a fourth year student at the University of Nairobi is project provided a reliable supply of water, hygiene and Participants pose for a group photo during one of the TOT trainings. pursuing a BSc. in Environmental Conservation and sanitation facilities, as well as environmental education to Natural Resource Management. UNITED STATES Training Rural Women For Environmental, school children, teachers, parents and other community 10th Anniversary of Wangari Maathai’s Nobel Peace Economic and Livelihood Improvement members. Smart water has been piloted in two schools: Prize Win in the Great Lakes Region Kamara primary and Mau summit primary school and Celebrating the Third Anniversary for there has been positive feedback from the communities. In partnership with New Course and funded by the Professor Wangari Maathai The Green Belt Movement International– US The Smart Water for Green Schools project is vital to the MacArthur Foundation, this three-year program seeks September 25, 2014 marked the third memorial commemorated the 10th anniversary of Wangari health and livelihood of communities in Kenya. to build the capacity of rural communities (especially anniversary of the late Nobel laureate and environ- Maathai’s Nobel Peace Prize win by planting a tree at women) to manage natural resources and expand This project is an example of how evaluation of a mentalist, Wangari Maathai. The event was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The tree incentives to conserve natural resources in three high successful pilot program can lead to expansion of an Wangari Maathai Corner in Karura forest, Nairobi. planting, along with a panel of distinguished speakers, biodiversity watersheds. They are: Mount Elgon - Uganda intervention to reach many more students and their was organized by the Kenyan Mission, in collaboration Hon. Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u joined Green Belt (Upper Nile watershed), the Mau Complex and parts of families. with the Green Belt Movement International – US, the Movement (GBM) Board members, staff, members of Western Aberdares (Lake Victoria watersheds) and the UN Forum on Forests, the Women’s Environment & GBM’s tree nursery groups, and the public to celebrate Cherangany water tower (Turkana / Omo). Development Organization (WEDO) and the International Professor Wangari Maathai’s life and her outstanding Council of Women (ICW). We developed a training curriculum that focused on: achievements in environmental conservation, sustainable transformative leadership, environmental stewardship, development, democracy and peace. sustainable clean energy entrepreneurship and content The Wangari Maathai Award for Civic Participation in delivery. A baseline survey on the socioeconomic status Sustainability was done to act as a benchmark for measuring impact, monitoring and evaluation. Two New York City public school students received the Wangari Maathai Award for Civic Participation By the end of 2014, 74 community Trainer of Trainees in Sustainability. The award was presented to two (TOTs) were trained from the Mau Complex and parts exceptional public school students who demonstrated of Western Aberdares. In addition to implementing what academic and extracurricular commitment to they were trained on, the TOTs have managed to train Participants at our TOT training learn more about setting up kitchen environmental stewardship within the urban context, by other community members as well. gardens. developing and executing sustainability-themed projects. The award is funded by the Municipal Art Society and the Rockefeller Foundation and both students received a $10,000 cash award, intended to be used for their first year of college. “One of the best ways we can honor The 2014 award winners were Alexandra Gumas from her, therefore, is by planting trees to Bard High School Early College and Jaylen Gregory from mark this occasion, which will serve NYC iSchool.
as a lasting memory.” — HON. NJOKI NDUNG’U
10 | the green belt movement Annual Report 2014 www.greenbeltmovement.org | 11 financial statements for 2014
Green Belt Movement Statement of Comprehensive Income Green Belt Movement Statement of Financial Position Year Ended 31 December 2014 Year Ended 31 December 2014
2014 2013 2012 2014 2013 2012 Kshs Kshs Kshs Kshs Kshs Kshs INCOME NON-CURRENT ASSETS Grants Received 117,118,121 105,511,622 99,695,485 Property and Equipment 675,131,129 676,843,285 53,317,800
Interest Income 1,270,633 767,157 3,150,634
Miscellaneous Income 3,019,919 4,479,119 6,476,221 CURRENT ASSETS Cash Balance 65,222,313 43,247,759 67,574,818
TOTAL INCOME 131,408,673 110,757,898 109,322,340 Receivables – 25,120,413 24,886,759
EXPENDITURE 65,222,313 68,368,172 92,461,577
Environmental Rehabilitation 67,336,562 41,448,070 115,056,570
Advocacy and Networking – – 1,711,810 TOTAL ASSETS 740,353,442 745,211,457 145,779,377 Project Equipment 2,882,338 2,361,211 4,377,192 Professional Services 5,248,531 8,718,781 18,345,525 Langata Expenses – 782,054 362,705 RESERVES AND LIABILITIES RESERVES Project Overheads 4,049,650 11,268,106 1,956,939 General Reserves 717,812,814 625,842,678 26,704,444 Printing and Stationery 490,908 396,374 274,751 Personnel Costs 34,258,829 53,945,326 39,537,163 CURRENT LIABILITIES Staff Benefits 2,133,967 – – Payables 22,540,628 119,368,770 119,074,933 Other Overheads — Administrative Costs 4,027,719 2,149,254 34,814,331 Repair and Maintenance 1,011,638 230,874 1,954,720 TOTAL RESERVES AND LIABILITIES 740,353,442 745,211,448 145,779,377 Telecommunication 1,299,569 1,648,045 754,660 Insurance 299,070 140,852 372,307 General Workshop 2,108,000 11,567 – Stolen Equipment – 870,000 –
Bank Service Charges 588,207 467,032 – Local travel 3,403,851 15,922,974 799,608 Foreign Travel 1,032,439 624,383 –
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 130,171,278 140,984,906 220,318,281
DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR 1,237,395 (30,227,008) (110,995,941) transferred to general reserves
12 | the green belt movement Annual Report 2014 www.greenbeltmovement.org | 13 supporters and partners
Green Belt Movement Statement of Cash Flows We would like to thank our supporters and partners for their continuous support of the Green Belt Year Ended 31 December 2014 Movement. This includes our existing partners, donors and sponsors as their significant contributions have helped us to run projects successfully in the last many years. We are also very much indebted 2014 2013 2012 Kshs Kshs Kshs toward our past supporters; without them, the success of the organization at such level would not OPERATING ACTIVITIES be possible. Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year 1,237,395 (30,227,008) (110,995,941) On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Green Belt Movement Team, thank you for your Depreciation 2,882,338 2,361,215 4,377,192 engagement with our work. We look forward to sharing our journey with you over the coming years. Gain on Disposal of Assets – – 1,025,761
Exchange Gain – 3,848,259 – $1,000+ Assets Written off 90,732,732 – – $100,000+ MacArthur Foundation Aid for Africa Purchase of Equipment (1,170,182) (369,710) (2,056,595) Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Kenya Berde Berdea (Decrease) /Increase in Receivables 25,120,413 (233,654) 25,259,896 U.S. State Department Bonnie Wilson Increase /(Decrease) in Payables (96,828,142) 293,839 61,847,262 Brownington Foundation (Clare and Howard McMorris) $10,000+ Calvert Social Investments (Constance Phillips) Net Cash Generated from / (used in) Ashden Trust Catherine Luther Operating Activities 21,974 ,554 (24,327,059) (20,542,425) Green Cross Sweden Daniel Ehrenberg Jambo Tours Finley’s Green Leap Forward Fund Increase /(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Philantropia Foundation Goran Visnjic Equivalents During the Year 21,974,554 (24,327,059) (20,542,425) Premiere Eye Care of Florida Informa UK, LTD Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Kate Hibschman Schooner Foundation Lee Rosenberg At Start of Year 43,247,759 67,574,818 88,117,243 The Mainichi Newspapers Co. Ltd. Japan Longleaf Foundation Decrease During the Year 21,974,554 (24,327,059) (20,542,425) The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Matthew Erickson Trees for Cities Michael McKay - Auerbach Memorial Fund Cash at End of the Year 65,222,313 43,247,759 67,574,818 UNDP, GEF Small Grants Programme Presbytery of Western North Carolina Waterstone Resource Fiber Limited (Norway) RSF Social Finance Source REPRESENTED BY: Yves Rocher Foundation CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 65,222,313 43,247,759 67,574,818 Logistic Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd Mrs Guislaine Perrier Stephanie Van Dyke The Rockefeller Foundation
In-Kind Supporters Lucinda Crabtree
14 | the green belt movement Annual Report 2014
www.greenbeltmovement.org | 15 GBM board and staff the Wangari Muta Maathai House — a legacy project
GBM Kenya Board This is the dynamic energy that encompasses her joy and
Wanjira Mathai, CHAIR enthusiasm, her affirming spirit, and her faith in individual commitment and in genuine community that we wish the Vertistine Mbaya, TREASURER WMM House to exemplify. We want people to be touched Lillian Njehu, VICE TREASURER by the passion that Wangari brought to everything she Obadiah Kavivya, SECRETARY did as if they had just met her and been embraced by her. Cyrus Kimamo, VICE SECRETARY We want everyone who visits the WMM House to feel they Miriam Chege have become a better version of themselves; that they will become more socially engaged, more compassionate, and Njeri Gakonyo more dedicated to the public good. We want them to stretch Gerishon Kinyanjui their capacities and for the House to provide them with the Peter Ndunda inspiration and the tools to do so. Monica Opole Too often in the course of her life, Wangari had to confront those who would destroy our common home: the forests, GBMI USA Board mountains, watersheds, and the Earth’s other ecosystems Mia MacDonald, CHAIR on which we all depend. Wanjira Mathai, SECRETARY Wangari Muta Maathai’s legacy takes many forms: The WMM House will showcase Wangari’s belief in the the special qualities of her personality and vision; the Margaret (Peg) Snyder, TREASURER importance of finding the courage to stand up for what is lessons she took from her experiences; and the fortitude Lorna Taylor right, public opinion notwithstanding. It will be dedicated she displayed in speaking truth to power. In Kenya, she Ochoro Otunnu to improving the lives of others and the Earth as a whole, remains a symbol of hope and steadfastness. Her moral undergirded by her recognition that, as she put it, “nature’s Albert Cho authority, resoluteness, and incorruptibility are truly wounds are our wounds.” missed by the ordinary people she championed and on GBMI Europe Board behalf of whom she spoke. Throughout the world, she Maggie Baxter, CHAIR is remembered for her unwavering commitment to the Who might come to the house? global environment and the most marginalized people, Navjyot Johal, TREASURER It often proved very difficult to organize Wangari’s schedule; particularly women. The loss of her strong voice and Wanjira Mathai she gave her phone number to presidents and farmers accessible presence has left a huge gap, particularly Roger Northcott, COMPANY SECRETARY alike, and was willing to talk with and learn from anyone as nations and communities grapple with the realities she came across. of a changing climate. We are proud to acknowledge the remarkable The WMM House must reflect this deeply democratic spirit: commitment, care, energy and skill with which the open to people of all abilities and from all walks of life, Green Belt Movement staff and volunteers have Origins: the essence of Wangari citizens of Kenya or the world, who want to be motivated developed and delivered services and provided In the wake of Wangari’s death, her family and friends by her life and work. support to achieve these goals. asked ourselves what aspects of Wangari we wanted You might be a tourist on a trip to Kenya who wants to to remember and spotlight. The following emerged: know more about the Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner She was open and had time for everyone. She was and author of Unbowed: A Memoir. You might be a writer / comfortable in the company of the great and good researcher on a scholarship seeking peace and inspiration as well as the impoverished and needy. You could find in a weeklong stay as you study Wangari’s life and legacy. Wangari dancing in the countryside with grassroots You might be laureates from the Nobel Women’s Initiative women on one day and with some of the world’s most gathering to celebrate and plan a new campaign. You might inspiring and influential people on another. She believed be attending a seminar hosted by leaders of non-profits deeply in the power of one. She thought a values-based advocating for girls’ education. society was a prerequisite for prosperity, and that empowering women was a key to breaking the cycle of poverty.
16 | the green belt movement Annual Report 2014 www.greenbeltmovement.org | 17
The Green Belt Movement Adams Arcade Kilimani Lane off Elgeyo Marakwet Road P.O. Box 67545-00200 Nairobi, Kenya T: +254 (0) 20-387-1523 / 387-3057 T (mobile): +254 721 376 1861 Email: [email protected]
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